抄録
In this paper, an attempt has been made to present an overview of irrigation and water management practices in India. First the geography and climate of India are discussed, and then an outline of Indian agriculture and its progress is given. The status of the renewable water resources of India is described, together with the present and future scenarios of water demands in various sectors. The need for and importance of irrigation in a country like India with its diverse natural conditions is also highlighted, along with the salient features of the major types of irrigation systems prevalent in India. The expansion of irrigation and its effectiveness are succinctly described. Some pertinent aspects of irrigation systems such as water allocation and distribution methods, water pricing, and irrigation management organization are discussed under separate sections. Further, the water management scenario in India and the country's national water policy are briefly presented. Specifically, the status quo of the Bhakra Irrigation System is described as an example of Indian irrigation systems. The paper closes by emphasizing the urgent need to modify the prevailing strategies for water resources management in order to ensure sustainable development.
